Skip to content
  • Essence GU
  • Beautycon
  • NaturallyCurly
  • Afropunk
  • Essence Studios
  • Soko Mrkt
  • Ese Funds
  • Refinery29
  • WeLoveUs.shop
  • 2026 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture
  • Celebrity
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Entrepreneurship
  • News
  • Shopping
  • Video
  • Events
  • Subscribe
Home • Fashion

First Lady Style: Michelle Obama's Signature Pieces

Our First Lady Michelle Obama has a classic all-American style. 

Check out the key pieces to mastering First Lady chic.
By Essence · Updated October 28, 2020
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready…
01
#1: The Cardigan

At JFK airport in New York, Mrs. Obama works an array of colors topped by a bright yellow belted cardigan. Tip: Pairing contrast solid colors is a great way to make any look pop.

Michelle Obama's Signature Pieces
02
The Cardigan

The First Lady complements a beautifully beaded cardigan with delicate pearls.

Michelle Obama's Signature Pieces
03
#2: Printed A-Line Dress

Michelle Obama arrives in DC in a stunning cross patterned A-line dress, a cropped cardigan and flats. Simply stunning. Tip: Cropped cardigans complement empire waist silhouettes best as they meet perfectly at the bust line.

Michelle Obama's Signature Pieces
04
Printed A-Line Dress

At the Smithsonian’s Cooper Hewitt National Design Awards luncheon, the First Lady dons a lightly embellished animal print A-line dress.

Michelle Obama's Signature Pieces
05
#3: Bow-Front Blouses

Even while promoting healthy living at Walgreens, our First Lady stays polished. This bow-front striped knit certainly livens things up.

Michelle Obama's Signature Pieces
06
Bow-Front Blouses

At the US Secret Service headquarters in Washington, Mrs. O is layered lovely in a pussy bow blouse.

Michelle Obama's Signature Pieces
07
#4: The Shift Dress

At Tampa International Airport in Florida, Michelle Obama greets children from John Sexton Elementary School in a chic floral print shift.

Michelle Obama's Signature Pieces
08
The Shift Dress

In a custom Diane von Furstenberg shift dress, the First Lady makes quite a fashionable first impression meeting German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Washington.

Michelle Obama's Signature Pieces
09
#5: A-Line Skirts

The First Lady is cute in crimson at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, DC. Love the gathered details of her A-line skirt.

Michelle Obama's Signature Pieces
10
A-Line Skirts

For an appearance on The Gayle King show, Mrs. O wears a fluid pleated dress. Pure perfection.

Michelle Obama's Signature Pieces